Could you find a family adventure on a budget?

When you're stressed out about money, how can you possibly plan a relaxing family getaway? It's not as impossible as it may sound. Test your vacation saving savvy -- and pick up a few ideas -- with this budget family vacation quiz.

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Question 1 of 20

Which strategy is most likely to appeal to young teens -- and your budget -- on long drives?

Teach them a new song or game.

Encourage them to notice and talk about the passing scenery.

Let them bring a few favorite games, books or magazines from home.

Keep the peace by letting teens decide what to bring to entertain themselves -- but save money by purchasing media before you go so that you can take advantage of sales or coupons.

Question 2 of 20

Which is most helpful for finding an inexpensive eatery while staying at a motel?

the brochures for guests in your room

the reception desk clerk's advice

Front desk staff knows even better than the average local which places are most popular with families.

a cruise along the town's main eating strip

Question 3 of 20

Which is the best way to feed kids while on the road?

Try to stick to their regular mealtimes and snacktimes.

A sense of routine and familiar snacks from home help kids handle the stress of travel while saving money.

Buy snacks along the road for continuous grazing.

Use the fast-food drive-through to save time.

Question 4 of 20

Which statement sounds like an economical driving plan?

We'll aim for 400 miles a day but settle for 375.

A flexible driving plan helps you save money on gas by discouraging speeding and keeping side trips to a minimum.

What's the hurry? The Grand Canyon isn't going anywhere.

We'll be there by noon, not ifs, ands or bathroom breaks.

Question 5 of 20

Should you rent a car with the idea of letting your 18-year-old drive part of the time?

Yes, if it it saves money over taking your own car.

It depends. Some states allow teenagers to drive only their own car or their parents’ car.

Probably not. Most car rental contracts require drivers to be over 18.

Besides barring teens from driving, many companies charge an extra fee for drivers under age 25.

Question 6 of 20

Statistically speaking, what’s the most dangerous way for kids to travel?

by car

To improve your odds for safe road travel, budget money for auto maintenance before and during the trip.

by plane

by train

Question 7 of 20

Should you bring your infant's car seat to use on a plane?

No, car seats aren't allowed on a plane.

Yes, if it's FAA-approved for airplane use.

It’s legal and cheaper to hold an infant on your lap on flights within the United States, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be safely secured in their own seats.

It's your call -- an infant is just as safe on a parent's lap.

Question 8 of 20

Should you use a baby crib provided by a budget hotel?

Only if you're willing to pay the added fee.

Yes, but inspect it for safety first.

New law requires all hotels to provide Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved cribs, but they have until 2013 to comply.

No, a budget hotel is apt to provide an unsafe, budget crib.

Question 9 of 20

Which days are usually the cheapest to fly?

Wednesday and Thursday

Midweek flights are not only cheaper but less crowded, too, resulting in faster boarding and more room for kids to move around.

Monday and Tuesday

Sunday and Monday

Question 10 of 20

What are the “dead weeks” of U.S. airline travel?

the last half of March

the middle of February

the first weeks of December

Airlines often drop their fares during these lulls in travel, which may also coincide with kids’ school breaks.

Question 11 of 20

How do low-cost carriers keep their airfares low?

They use older planes.

They don’t offer pillows, snacks and other amenities.

The no-frills approach of low-cost carriers might be less comfortable for kids, but they can be good choices for short flights.

They offer only overnight flights.

Question 12 of 20

Suppose you’re going to share the burden of driving while using a rental car. To save money, who should be your second driver?

your spouse

All drivers must be listed on the contract. Except for spouses and civil partners, you’ll pay an additional fee for each one.

any adult in the car

anyone with a driving permit

Question 13 of 20

On average, how many vacation days did the American worker receive in 2010?

28

22

18

The average American worker used only 14 of those 18 vacation days, partly because they felt they couldn't afford a vacation anyway.

Question 14 of 20

How can flying in and out of alternative airports, which are smaller and futher away from attractions than larger airports, save money?

Airfare may be lower compared to flights to airline hubs.

Flights to and from alternative airports are often cheaper, but if you'll spend more on ground transportation to your destination, the savings might not be worthwhile.

They have package deals for lower rates at nearby hotels.

More flights go to these airports than to larger airports.

Question 15 of 20

How do weekend rates at hotels compare to weekday rates?

Saturday and Sunday rates are highest.

Late weekday rates are highest.

Rates will vary with the hotel's location.

Hotels located near corporate headquarters and other business-related sites may have their highest rates during the week to take advantage of business travelers.

Question 16 of 20

Who's the best person to ask to get lower-than-listed hotel rates?

the reservation agent at the chain's nation customer service center

the manager of the hotel where you're staying

On-site managers have more say in adjusting rates than people farther up the corporate chain.

someone at the destination city's convention and visitors bureau

Question 17 of 20

What’s the advantage of enrolling your 6-year old in a frequent flyer program?

You can transfer her miles to your account, or vice versa.

By transferring miles among your family's accounts, you may be able to accrue awards more quickly. There may be a fee for transferring miles, however. Be sure it pays off in reduced ticket prices.

You get bonus miles for signing up family members.

There’s no advantage unless the child actually is a frequent flyer.

Question 18 of 20

What is the "shoulder season"?

the weeks leading up to major holidays

cycles when frequent flyers rush to use miles before they expire

the time just before and after a destination's peak season

Airlines and tourist destinations often lower their rates during the shoulder season that occurs just before and after a destination's peak season.

Question 19 of 20

Where are you most likely to find free, legal overnight parking for your camper?

a church parking lot

a highway rest area

Overnight parking -- not camping out -- is legal in a dozen states and generally tolerated in others. To be sure, check online before you try it.

a city bus parking lot

Question 20 of 20

What’s one advantage of traveling with children by bus compared to flying?

Families get free priority boarding, avoiding long waits in line.

Bus lines are more likely to offer discounted children’s fares.

As opposed to airlines, many bus lines offer discounted tickets for kids. Some kids also sleep better on buses, so travel by bus may be more restful as well as cheaper.